Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials vs SQL Sentry comparison

Redgate and SQL Sentry are both solutions in the Database Development and Management category. Redgate is ranked #9, while SQL Sentry is ranked #14. Redgate holds a 5.3% mindshare in DDM, compared to SQL Sentry’s 3.1% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Redgate users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 66% of SQL Sentry users who would recommend it.

Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essent...

Read 2 Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials reviews

1,298 Views
1,259 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

SQL Sentry

Read 2 SQL Sentry reviews

654 Views
654 Comparison Views

66% willing to recommend

Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essent...

SQL Sentry

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Jan 23, 2025

SQL Sentry and Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials compete in the database management solutions category. SQL Sentry has an edge in monitoring and alerting capabilities, while Redgate focuses on ease of use through its comprehensive tool suite.

Features: SQL Sentry provides robust performance monitoring, customizable alerts, and performance analytics to tackle database performance issues efficiently. Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials integrates tools for database development, version control, and management functionality, enhancing overall productivity.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: SQL Sentry features a straightforward deployment model with robust support, simplifying setup and management. Redgate's intuitive design allows for a seamless deployment process, aided by comprehensive documentation.

Pricing and ROI: SQL Sentry's pricing reflects a specialized focus on performance monitoring, presenting solid ROI for optimization needs. Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials offers multiple tools at a higher initial cost, promising greater long-term savings for extensive database management.

To learn more, read our detailed Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials vs. SQL Sentry Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials vs. SQL Sentry

December 2025

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Helped 879,259 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essent...

Ranking in Database Development and Management

9th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.2

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

SQL Sentry

Ranking in Database Development and Management

14th

Average Rating

9.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of December 2025, in the Database Development and Management category, the mindshare of Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials is 5.3%, up from 4.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of SQL Sentry is 3.1%, down from 5.3% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Database Development and Management Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials	5.3%
SQL Sentry	3.1%
Other	91.6%

Database Development and Management

Featured Reviews

ChristopherSmith1

Director, Enterprise Data Management at Glatfelter Insurance Group

SQL Search and change automation functionality help us manage our code repository and databases

The biggest problem with the Redgate SQL Toolbelt is just how heavy it is; it seems to take a lot of resources. It takes a lot of memory and a lot of processing power to run, and that tends to slow things down a bit. Making it a little more lightweight while still doing the same thing, as much as possible, is what we would like to see in the future. I've noticed that Microsoft SSMS runs much quicker without RedGate installed than it does with it installed. From bootup of the app to opening query windows and connections, SSMS is quicker without Redgate than with, by a significant margin. The other area for improvement is regarding licensing. Every month or two my SSMS loses it's redgate license key and I need to re-enter the key to continue using Red Gate, even though the license is annual.

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Steve McCubbin

Sql Db Administrator at a non-tech company with 1,001-5,000 employees

Lets you know when your jobs are taking longer than average and allows you to go back in history and find out what was happening at certain times

To be able to go back in history and find out what was happening at certain times is the most valuable feature of the product. Another thing that's good about the product is that it will let you know when your jobs are taking longer than average so that you can foretell that there's going to be an issue coming up. Your SQL agent job is taking longer.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"It is easy to track the reports, this is what is most valuable for me."

"The most valuable feature is SQL Search."

"To be able to go back in history and find out what was happening at certain times is the most valuable feature of the product."

"This solution has identified blocking, deadlock, memory pressure, and high CPU consumption issues."

Cons

"The biggest problem with the Redgate SQL Toolbelt is just how heavy it is; it seems to take a lot of resources."

"I would like to see the bandwidth increase allowing me to easily analyze more data."

"If we can get details on wait types from system views, it will help identify a more detailed root cause."

"There could be some more metrics on the high availability to let us know when there are issues synchronizing between the hosts."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Our fees are paid on an annual basis."

"The cost is about $3,500 USD per individual to buy, and then it's about 20% per year for renewal."

"It's fairly expensive."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

15%

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Financial Services Firm

12%

Government

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Healthcare Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Comparisons

IDERA SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server vs Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials

Compared 16% of the time

Spotlight vs Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials

Compared 8% of the time

Foglight for Databases vs Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials

Compared 8% of the time

IDERA DB Change Manager vs Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials

Compared 8% of the time

More Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials Competitors

SolarWinds Database Performance Analyzer vs SQL Sentry

Compared 50% of the time

IDERA SQL Diagnostic Manager for SQL Server vs SQL Sentry

Compared 17% of the time

Spotlight vs SQL Sentry

Compared 12% of the time

Foglight for Databases vs SQL Sentry

Compared 8% of the time

IDERA SQL Admin Toolset vs SQL Sentry

Compared 6% of the time

More SQL Sentry Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Database Development and Management

December 2025

Download Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials product report

Buyer's Guide

Database Development and Management

December 2025

Download SQL Sentry product report

Overview

Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials offers essential tools for optimizing, managing, and deploying SQL Server databases efficiently, ideal for professionals seeking reliable database solutions.

Designed for database professionals, Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials streamlines SQL Server database management with a suite of integrated tools. It simplifies complex tasks, increases productivity, and helps maintain consistency across deployments. By automating repetitive tasks, it allows users to focus on critical areas, promoting a more efficient workflow. Its integration with existing systems ensures a smooth transition and compatibility with current technologies.

What are the most important features?

SQL Compare: Compares and synchronizes database schemas to keep environments in sync.
SQL Data Compare: Matches data across databases to ensure data integrity.
SQL Source Control: Integrates with version control systems to track database changes.
SQL Prompt: Provides code suggestions for faster and more accurate query writing.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Time Savings: Automates repetitive tasks, reducing manual effort.
Enhanced Accuracy: Minimizes risk of errors with reliable comparison and synchronization.
Scalability: Supports growth with seamless integration with version control systems.
Increased Productivity: Boosts development speed by offering efficient code suggestions.

Industries implementing Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials often experience increased efficiency in database management. For example, financial services use it for precise data handling, while healthcare leverages its data integrity features to ensure accurate patient records, improving both the security and reliability of their IT infrastructure.

Redgate

SentryOne is the most capable, scalable platform for enterprise data performance management, from development through production. We empower Microsoft database professionals with the best solutions for developing, testing, documenting, and monitoring the Microsoft Data Platform.

SQL Sentry

Sample Customers

Thinger.fi, Churchill College Univeristy of Cambridge, Margin Business Solutions Ltd., 4Penny.net, Sportinginsider.net, Lockheed Martin, Phillip Securities Pte Ltd, Nmbrs

Coeo, Stack Overflow, GreatAmerica Financial Services Corporation, Hawaiian Airlines, Hennepin County Medical Center, Racing Victoria, Citrix, Insight, Shi, Woodforest National Bank, Telular

Buyer's Guide

Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials vs. SQL Sentry

December 2025

Free Report: Redgate SQL Toolbelt Essentials vs. SQL Sentry

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